12 - Electrolytes/Acid-base Imbalances

Question 1

Where do we find electrolyes?

Answer 1

In the blood or within the cell

Question 2

The most common cation in ECF

Answer 2

Na+

Question 3

Passive diffusion on Na occurs

Answer 3

between IVF and ISF

Question 4

Hyponatremia

Answer 4

decreased serum sodium levels (direct sodium loss or excess water in extracellular compartment (dilution))

Question 5

What causes hyponatremia

Answer 5

excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, diuretic drugs and low sodium diet, hormone imbalances, renal failure, excess water intake

Question 6

Effects of hyponatremia

Answer 6

• impaired nerve conduction
• lowered osmotic pressure, fluid shift, hypovolemia, low bp
• swelling of brain

Question 7

Hypernatremia

Answer 7

high sodium levels (ingestion of sodium, loss of water from body faster than sodium loss)

Question 8

What causes hypernatremia

Answer 8

insufficient ADH, loss of thirst mechanism, water diarrhea, periods of rapid respiration

Question 9

Effects of hypernatremia

Answer 9

• weakness, agitation
• firm subcutaneous tissues
• thirst + dry mouth
• edema
• elevated bp
• decreased urine output (ADH secreted)

Question 10

Effects of hypernatremia exception

Answer 10

if insufficient ADH is the primary cause there will be increased urine output

Question 11

Most common cation in ICF

Answer 11

K+

Question 12

Decrease in potassium level

Answer 12

Hypokalemia

Question 13

Hypokalemia is due to

Answer 13

• diarrhea
• diuretics
• excess aldosterone
• decreased intake

Question 14

Effects of hypokalemia

Answer 14

• cardiac dysrhythmias
• muscle weakness
• paresthesias
• decreased GI tract motility
• shallow respirations
• decreased renal function (polyuria)

Question 15

Hyperkalemia

Answer 15

an increase in potassium levels

Question 16

Hyperkalemia is due to

Answer 16

• renal failure
• aldosterone deficit
• use of potassium sparing diuretic
• decreased excretion of potassium
• burn/crush injury
• acidosis

Question 17

Effects of hyperkalemia

Answer 17

• dysrhythmias
• muscle weakness
• fatigue, nausea
• paresthesias

Question 18

Why is calcium an important cation in ECF?

Answer 18

• levels are controlled by parathyroid hormone and calcitonin
• but also influenced by vitamin D and phosphate ion levels

Question 19

What does Ca+ do?

Answer 19

• strength for bones and teeth
• maintains excitability and permeability required for nerve conduction
• enable muscle contraction
• required for clotting process

Question 20

Causes of hypocalcemia

Answer 20

• decreased parathyroid hormone
• decreased dietary intake of calcium
• malabsorption syndrome
• vit d deficit
• alkalosis
• elevated serum phosphate levels

Question 21

Effects of hypocalcemia

Answer 21

• tetany (muscle spasms)
• tingling fingers
• mental confusion, irritability
• arrhythmias, weak heart contraction

Question 22

Causes of hypercalcemia

Answer 22

• bone tumors
• hyperparathyroidism
• immobility
• excess intake

Question 23

Effects of hypercalcemia

Answer 23

• apathy, lethargy
• anorexia, nausea, constipation
• polyuria, thirst
• kidney stones
• arrhythmias, prolonged strong contractions
• increased bp

Question 24

Hypomagnesemia (rare) due to

Answer 24

malabsorption or malnutrition

Question 25

Hypermagnesemia (rare) due to

Answer 25

renal failure

Question 26

Effects of hypomagnesemia

Answer 26

• tremors, involuntary movements
• insomnia
• increased heart rate
• personality changes

Question 27

Effects of hypermagnesemia

Answer 27

• decreased reflexes
• lethargy
• cardiac arrhythmias

Question 28

Hypophosphatemia due to

Answer 28

malabsorption, diarrhea, use of antiacids

Question 29

Effects of hypophosphatemia

Answer 29

• tremors, weak reflexes
• paresthesias
• confusion
• dysphagia
• decreased clotting + phagocytosis

Question 30

Hyperphosphatemia due to

Answer 30

renal failure, tissue damage, chemotherapy

Question 31

Effects of hyperphosphatemia

Answer 31

same as hypocalcemia

Question 32

Chloride imbalances follow

Answer 32

sodium

Question 33

Hypochloremia cause and effect

Answer 33

• dehydration
• vomiting (loss of acid), excessive perspiration

Question 34

Hyperchloremia

Answer 34

edema and weight gain, increased intake of sodium chloride

Question 35

Why does the body is naturally move towards acidosis?

Answer 35

Cells are constantly metabolizing, constantly producing carbon dioxide and carbonic acid

Question 36

Acidosis

Answer 36

• increased H+
• pH under 7.35
• death at pH 6.8

Question 37

Alkalosis

Answer 37

• decreased H+
• pH over 7.45
• death at pH 7.8

Question 38

What regulates acids and bases to maintain a normal pH?

Answer 38

hydrogen ion regulates how acidic or basic the body’s fluid is

Question 39

high H is

Answer 39

acidic

Question 40

low H is

Answer 40

alkaline

Question 41

normal pH range

Answer 41

7.35 - 745

Question 42

3 major mechanisms for maintenance of pH

Answer 42

buffer systems, exhalation of co2, kidney excretion

Question 43

buffer systems

Answer 43

chemical buffers in blood combine with offending acid or base neutralizing harmful effects

Question 44

Exhalation

Answer 44

higher rate and depth of breathing=more co2 exhaled= low carbonic acid levels

Question 45

Kidney excretion

Answer 45

slowest mechanism, secretes hydrogen in the urine and reabsorbs bicarbonate and can synthesize bicarbonate ions